Starting device for track runners



June9, 1959 D. L. HOLMES 2,890,048

STARTING DEVICE FOR TRACK RUNNERS Filed Nov. 15, 1957 11:5 A n/E17 for 04140 L #00755 United States Paterrf SIARTING DEtICEFORTRACK"'RUNNERS David L. Holmes, Detroit,-.Mich. ApplicationNovember li'r; 1957; Se'rial -No. 696,121.

40mins. (Clf272 -59) This invention relates to athletic equipment, and has particular reference to a starting block for track athletes.

An object of the invention is to generally improve devices of this character and to provide a starting device which is constructed and arranged, whereby the runner will have a solid, non-slip footing for the take off, and will be encouraged to move forwardly, instead of upwardly at the word go.

Another object of the invention is to provide a starting device which is simple in construction, economical to manufacture, and efiicient in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character indicated which is self-locking and positive in any desired position, and the greater the thrust on it, when in use, the tighter it holds.

Another object of the invention is to provide a starting device, which is easily transported from place to place, and can readily be secured in position on an indoor, or outdoor track, with self-contained means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a starting device which may be quickly and easily adjusted, for near or far, or right or left hand starting lead.

Another object of the invention is to provide a starting device, which has no springs, or other elements, which need tightening, or loosening before use.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds, reference being made from time to time to the accompanying drawing, forming part of the within disclosure, in which drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a section, taken substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 1, with parts shown in broken lines, illustrating the manner in which each starting block may be rotated from one side to the other.

Fig. 3 is a detailed perspective view, illustrating one of the starting blocks and associated parts.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view, of the right end of the device illustrated in Fig. 1, and showing the manner in which the blocks are supported and locked in position, and the manner in which the device is anchored to the running track.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, it will be understood that in the embodiment herein disclosed, the reference character 7 indicates, in general, the 'body of the device, and the reference characters 8 and 9, respectively, indicate the forward and rear blocks, which are rotatably secured to the body 7, as is more fully described hereinafter.

The body 7 of the device is preferably formed of metal, and consists of three stampings 10, 11, and 12, which are formed as shown in Fig. 1, and which are secured to one another by welding, or other suitable means. The stamping 10 is a continuous length of metal, which is formed with a longitudinal, concave groove 13, therein, which groove is arranged to receive the members 14 and 15, which members help to support the blocks 8 and 9. The

side stampings 11 and 12 have=extensions- 11A and 12A,

tlfereon which" overhang the base-'"memb'er 10'; which to gether" with 'theportions 1113 and 12B, form a' wide base for the device, and give it stability. The inner-*edg'es-of the side membersll and IZ' abut, as *at 16; adjacent the side members 11 and 12 (Fig. 3") toaccommodate thepins 18'} wlien theyare swunginto a=vertical position', andi when it is desired to move either the blocks 8 or 9 longitudi-nally along the device.

The members 10, 11, 12, combine to form a tubular structure, in which the members 14 and 15, may be moved longitudinally in the device. The starting block 8 is secured to the member 15, and the starting block 9 is secured to the member 14, in a similar manner by means of pivot pins 18. Each block 8 and 9 may be rotated on its pivot pin 18. Each block 8 and 9 is preferably formed of a hollow casting 20 (Fig. 2), which casting is then covered with a rubber covering 21. The front face 22 and the rear face 23, of each of the starting blocks 8 and 9, are curved, as in Figs. 3 and 4, to conform with the shape of a runners foot, when he is in the get set position for a race. These curves have a natural tendency to make the runner spring forwardly, rather than upwardly, at the word go. The body of the device may be secured to the running track 24 (Figs. 1 and 4) by means of anchor pins 25 which may be driven into an outdoor running track with the foot, or may be inserted into suitable holes, formed in an indoor running track.

In operation the device functions as follows:

First the device is attached to the running track by means of the pins 25. The :blocks 8 and 9 are then positioned on opposite sides of the body 7, in order to accommodate either right or left hand leads. The distance between the blocks 8 and 9 may be varied by rotating the members 14 and 15, so that their pivot pins 18 are vertical and may pass longitudinally along the slot 19. The pivot pins 18 are then dropped into the desired slots 17, which are inclined, so that the more thrust is exerted on the blocks the tighter the blocks will be locked in position. It will be understood that when either of the blocks 8 or 9, is swung from one side of the housing 7 to the other, each respective block 8 and 9 will have to be rotated on its pivot pin 18, so that either the curved face 22 or curved face 23 is in proper position to receive the runners foot.

Having described my invention, What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A device of the character described having an elongated hollow body, a pair of starting blocks, means to adjustably secure said blocks to said body, and means to secure said body to a running track, said body having a longitudinal slot in its upper wall, there being a plurality of pairs of inclined slots in said body, each in communication with said longitudinal slot, said longitudinal slot and said pairs of inclined slots being arranged to receive the adjustable securing means of said blocks.

2. A device of the character described having an elongated hollow body, a pair of starting blocks adjustably secured to said body, means to secure said body to a running track, each of said starting blocks being pivotably attached to a pin, which said pins are arranged to be received in a longitudinal slot and slots formed in either side of said body and communicating with said longitudinal slot, whereby said pins and said blocks may be moved longitudinally and radially of said body.

3. A device of the character described having an elongated hollow body, a pair of starting blocks adjustably secured to said body, and means to secure said body to a running track, said body having a longitudinal slot therein, two members arranged to slide longitudinally in said slot, each of said starting blocks being secured to one of said last named, members by a pin, said blocks being rotatably mounted on said pins, and slots in thesides of said body to permit said pins to move radially with respect to said body. I

4. A device of the character described having an elongated, hollow body, a pair of starting blocks, means to adjustably secure said blocks to said body, and means to secure said body to a running track, said body being formed of three stampings, comprising a base and two side members, said side members being spaced along their upper edges to form a longitudinal slot, there being a plurality of inclined slots oppositely disposed in each side said blocks.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Nicholson 1 Dec. 23, 1930 Barron Feb. 24, 1931 Bresnahan Jan. 24, 1939 Arnett July 6, 1943 Brouwer Dec. 12, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Germany May 20, 1922 

